It had been over a decade since System of a Down last played in the New York City / tri-state area, making their August 27 return particularly thrilling for fans. MetLife Stadium, packed to the brim, buzzed with excitement as the band took the stage for the first of two nights in Jersey. Each city on this tour features different co-headliners; for MetLife, it was Korn on both opening nights.

Opening the show were Wisp and Polyphia, two acts that built tension and energy leading into the headliners. Wisp, led by Natalie R. Lu, brought shoegaze-tinged alt-rock with lush soundscapes, offering fans a gentler entry before things got heavy. Then came Polyphia, with instrumental rock complexity, electronic textures, and technical guitar work that had the crowd’s respect early on.

Korn Lights the Fuse

When Korn took the stage, things amped up. Frontman Jonathan Davis didn’t waste time, charging through hits like “Blind”, “Got the Life”, “Here to Stay”, and “Falling Away From Me”. The set built with intensity, with lasered lights and explosive performance energy, until the sing-along climax with “Freak on a Leash”. It was a reminder of Korn’s legacy, and a perfect warm up for what was coming next.

System of a Down Unleashed

When System of a Down finally hit the stage, the energy was palpable. Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan didn’t hold back. The opening sequence, “Soldier Side – Intro” into “B.Y.O.B.”, set the tone: political, loud, energetic.

They played 26 songs that night, delivering favorites, deep cuts, and some surprises. The band moved fluidly through tempo shifts as they always do with heavy riffs, sudden soft passages, and back again. The crowd responded with devotion: mosh pits, horns, and singing in unison.

Toward the end of their set, SOAD paused to pay homage to Ozzy Osbourne, who had passed away in July 2025. Guitarist Daron Malakian addressed the crowd, reflecting on how touring with Ozzy (for example via Ozzfest) helped shape the band’s journey. “There was one tour that never did more for System Of A Down—the Ozzfest,” he said. “We want to thank Ozzy Osbourne.” JamBase+2Metal Insider | Get Inside the Industry+2

The tribute took musical form when the band performed “Snowblind,” a Black Sabbath cover, live for the first time since 2002. Malakian introduced it saying, “We’re going to do a number about cocaine. It’s called ‘Snowblind.’” The moment was met with chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy!” from the crowd before the cover.

This concert was more than just a tour stop. It was a statement: System of a Down remains relevant, vital, and capable of delivering major stadium rock with depth. The choice of support acts, the mix of new and old tracks, and the loyalty shown by fans all underscore how deeply the band’s influence runs.

Tonight’s second night at MetLife promises more of the same: high energy, intense performance, and possibly differences in setlist or improvisation. Following Jersey, the tour moves to Chicago (with Avenged Sevenfold), Toronto, and beyond.

Listeners and concertgoers should watch for surprises including guest appearances, new arrangements, and the ways SOAD continues to grow its performance scale.

Full Setlist: August 27, 2025

Sugar

Soldier Side – Intro

B.Y.O.B.

Suite-Pee

Prison Song

Aerials

Science

Needles

Deer Dance

Darts

Radio/Video

Dreaming (Bridge)

Hypnotize

ATWA

Bounce

Suggestions

Psycho (with “Trans Europe Express” intro by Kraftwerk)

Chop Suey!

Our Lips Are Sealed (The Go-Go’s cover, integrated into Lonely Day)

Lonely Day

Lost in Hollywood (with “Won’t Get Fooled Again” intro by The Who)

Snowblind (Black Sabbath cover)

Tentative

Mind

D.A.M.

War?

Toxicity